Language
Country/Area
No result found
he end of the Ferrari engine: What unexpected changes will the 2026 F1 season bring
With the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship just around the corner, major changes are imminent to the event's rules and participating teams, which will mark the end of Ferrari engines in F1. The event will be the 77th Formula One World Championship, sanctioned by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) as the premier competitive sporting event. This year's event will not only attract new teams to join, but will also reconfigure the power unit rules, bringing a new competitive landscape to the season.
The 2026 season will be one of the most transformative moments in F1 history.
New participating teams and engine suppliers
With Cadillac's debut in F1, the number of teams in the event will reach 11, marking the first time a new team has joined since 2016. Cadillac will use Ferrari's power units, a decision that shows the appeal of Ferrari's technology as its engines. On the other hand, Audi acquired Sauber in 2024 and hopes to compete as a factory team in 2026, which marks Audi's entry into F1 with a new identity.
In addition, Honda has reached an exclusive engine cooperation with Aston Martin, and Ford has also announced that it will return to supply power units to Red Bull. The changes mean F1 is heading for an intense engine war, especially as Ferrari engines gradually lose their dominance.
It will be the first time since 1988 that no French manufacturer's engines will finish the season.
Transformation of power unit
F1's new power unit regulations for 2026 will retain the 1.6-liter V6 internal combustion engine configuration, but will ban the MGU-H (power generator unit-heat), a change that will affect the way energy is recovered. At the same time, the output of the MGU-K will be increased from 160 bhp to 470 bhp. These changes will redefine the way cars are propulsed and have a profound impact on how racing is conducted.
Changes in racing car shape and aerodynamics
According to the latest racing concept, the new model will be adjusted in size and aerodynamics, such as reducing the wheelbase and width of the vehicle, and reducing the minimum mass of the car. New active aerodynamics will replace the old drag reduction system and introduce a new manual override engine mode, which will enhance the driving experience and improve the competitiveness of the event.
The 2026 cars will have around 15% less downforce, making them slightly slower than the 2022-2025 models, also for safety and performance reasons.
Further security enhancements
To improve safety, the 2026 season will see an update to the front impact structure (FIS), aimed at reducing injuries in accidents. The new two-stage FIS design will better protect the driver and improve side impact protection. These safety features meet the highest current motorsport safety standards, further protecting drivers and track personnel.
To improve visibility, the cars will be equipped with lateral safety lights when stopped, which will indicate the status of the energy recovery system, enhancing safety in critical moments. These new regulations and technological improvements are an important reflection of F1's high attention to safety while continuing to pursue speed.
New event schedule and venues
The 2026 calendar will include 22 races, with the Spanish Grand Prix moving from Barcelona to a new street circuit in Madrid. These venue changes may have an impact on the teams' performance, while also adding more variables to the event.
After the season ends, it will be a brand new F1 world, and Ferrari's engine era may become history today.
The 2026 F1 season will not only be about rule changes and the entry of new teams, but will also redefine the face of modern racing and the future of competition. These changes could make the event more spectacular and less dangerous, giving spectators a new experience. With such huge and profound changes, how will F1's future competitive landscape evolve?
